Today February 12 there will be a funeral for one of the greatest people I have known. Angelo Rizzi (born November 12, 1930) died Wednesday, February 10 at his home surrounded by his family. He was much more than a cousin. He was a humble man who left all of us who knew him a better person.

With a graceful sense of humor, he made me smile so often. His intelligence was always at the forefront whether working with his apples or joining friends over a glass of grappa. People like Angelo come into our lives rarely; indeed he was a gift that we all shared.

As an American, I have often marveled at Angelo’s family. With his wife Rita Zuech, he raised a family of wonderful, happy children and grandchildren. There can be no finer compliment than the quality of his family. Rita, sons Dino and Nicola along with daughter Sandra are simply wonderful people in every respect. Angelo’s door was always open. Rita was a tireless hostess. Together, they loved the people around them. I am proud to have been one of them. It has been a united and positive family for many years. Even in Angelo’s absence, this family will endure.

Farewell Angelo. You are certainly one of the best people I have ever met. You will be remembered fondly by so many of us.